When Toilet Paper Becomes the New Baking Soda

Author Maryann Morgan

November 10th, 2023 8:38 AM

Close-up of roll of Cottonelle commercial toilet paper, San Ramon, California, April 8, 2020. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

So, folks, here’s the scoop: I stumbled upon a bizarre trend the other day that has me chuckling like there’s no tomorrow. Apparently, there’s a growing number of people who are putting toilet paper in their fridges. Yes, you read that right, toilet paper in the fridge! Forget about using baking soda or air fresheners; we’ve entered the era of the loo roll refrigerator refresh!

I have to give credit where it’s due – this peculiar practice started on TikTok according to themanual.com. You know, the platform responsible for giving us dances, lip-syncing challenges, and now, oddly fresh refrigerators! The manual for “How to Keep Your Fridge Smelling Fabulous” has clearly been thrown out the window.

Now, let’s pause and consider the logic behind this icy TP trend. Toilet paper doesn’t have the same odor-absorbing superpowers as baking soda. It’s like comparing a hamster to a rocket ship; one’s great for keeping you company, the other’s ideal for interstellar travel. But hey, desperate times call for desperate measures, right?

So, what’s the deal with this chilled conundrum, and what do guests think when they spot toilet paper in the fridge? Let’s dive into the minds of those innocent, unsuspecting visitors.

Guest #1: The Inquisitive One As your guest opens the fridge door to grab a refreshing beverage, they spot the toilet paper nestled among the veggies. They can’t help but question your sanity. “Is this some secret strategy to prevent midnight bathroom runs? Or do they just want a cool, cushioned experience while snacking?”

Guest #2: The Investigator A particularly curious guest might just reach out and touch the ice-cold TP, only to pull their hand back with a puzzled look on their face. “Is this some avant-garde art installation? Perhaps it’s an emergency supply in case I run out during my stay. I better not forget to ask.”

Guest #3: The Accidental Comedian This guest finds the whole situation utterly hilarious. They burst into laughter, wondering if you’ve started a quirky new trend. “Did they learn this from a secret society of toilet paper fridge enthusiasts? Maybe there’s a whole underground movement dedicated to this.”

Guest #4: The DIY Expert You might have that one guest who thinks they’ve stumbled upon a genius life hack. “Ah, putting toilet paper in the fridge to save on toilet roll heating costs during winter – brilliant! I’m totally trying this when I get home.”

Guest #5: The Silent Observer The majority of guests probably won’t say a word but will be left pondering this enigma in the fridge. They might think, “Maybe it’s a family tradition? Or perhaps they are secretly hoarding toilet paper because the end is near, and this is their way of stockpiling?”

Putting toilet paper in the fridge is certainly a hilarious and peculiar trend. While it might not be the most effective method for maintaining a fresh-smelling fridge, it sure makes for an unforgettable conversation starter when guests come over. So, next time you open your refrigerator and spot that frosty roll, don’t forget to embrace the laughter and perhaps even consider offering your guests a chilled, cushioned snack for their amusement!

Meet Maryann, who has been chasing magic since the early 90s. Back then, she hosted a love and dedication show at nights on Magic. Talk about romantic vibes! Since then, she traded her evening slot for mornings. When she’s not talking to you on the air, she’s living the glamorous life of a chicken, duck, pigeon, and German Short-Haired Pointer mom. Since Joel can never follow what she says, there is an entire feature called " What are you Talking About" at 9:10. Running is her secret to staying out of trouble – or at least staying ahead of the extra pounds. She has a husband named Matt, and a son named Zack, who she says makes her world a little adventure.

9 Unspoken Rules for Public Restroom Etiquette

Using public restrooms might not seem like rocket science, but the moment you step into that bathroom, there’s a code of etiquette to follow. It’s all about not giving anyone the cringe-worthy vibes, especially when they’re handling their business. Unfortunately, quite a few people haven’t quite grasped bathroom manners.

Public restrooms are essential facilities that serve a crucial purpose in our daily lives. However, maintaining proper etiquette in these shared spaces is essential for the comfort and well-being of everyone who uses them. Understanding what not to do in a public restroom can go a long way in ensuring a positive experience for all.

Cracking the Code: Public Restroom Etiquette

Certain unwritten public restroom guidelines are universal among most people. Take, for example, the unspoken agreement not to choose a stall right next to an occupied one in a multiple-stall restroom. It might sound a tad extreme, but there’s something oddly unsettling about sharing such limited privacy with a complete stranger. Another rule of thumb is to steer clear of using the handicapped stall unless it’s meant for you. You never know when someone might genuinely need it, and finding yourself on the receiving end of that awkward situation is far from ideal.

Furthermore, if your goal is to keep the public restroom experience as unawkward as possible, avoid using your phone while in there. For some people, it can come across as unsettling when you’re waiting in line in front of someone who’s busy scrolling through their phone. Especially in today’s era of oversharing on social media and the inexplicable urge that some people have to document every moment.

Occasionally, public restrooms can present some strange situations. So, before you head into the bathroom, here are nine tips on public restroom etiquette. And, of course, how to avoid those awkward situations.

Skip the complicated stuff
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Feel free to touch up your makeup or give your teeth a quick brush. But skip the complex routines like flossing, clipping your nails, or shaving. Keep phone calls at bay, and save emails and browsing for later. Remember, public bathrooms are riskier for hygiene. According to Health, a health and lifestyle website, illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and colds can be found on surfaces. So, minimize your time there for safety’s sake.
No touchy, touchy
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If you spot someone you know, a nod is perfectly okay. No need to shake hands! In fact, CNN reported that only 5% of people who used the bathroom washed their hands long enough to kill the germs that can cause infections. It’s risky to assume otherwise. No one needs to guess where your hands were. Wet handshakes are bad, worse if it’s mystery liquid.
Stall chats and gossip
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Avoid engaging in conversations between stalls or near urinals. This holds particularly true within the office environment, where you can’t be certain if a colleague or supervisor is in the adjacent stall, potentially overhearing any complaints or gossip you share. A Redditor shared their frustration on the discussion board saying that talking in stalls should only be for, “Can you pass me some toilet paper? This ones out” or “Crap. Do you have a tampon?”
Hold off on phone conversations
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Staying connected is great, thanks to our trusty smartphones always being by our side. But let’s not take them to the bathroom. Besides the germs, it can get awkward. The person on your call hears bathroom noises and flushes. The nearby stall occupant gets only half the conversation, making the shared bathroom uncomfortable.
Welcoming yourself in without knocking
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You’re eyeing a solo bathroom, uncertain if it’s taken. Start with a knock on the door. No response? Next, put your hand on the doorknob and carefully turn it to one side. Did it open? If not, odds are someone’s inside, so hold on. No need to shake the handle like you’ve never met a doorknob. That’s a surefire method to give the person inside a shock. And just in case the person in the restroom forgot to lock the door, at least all your bases are covered.
Don't flush with your feet
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There are some people who think they’re maintaining hygiene by flushing toilets with their feet. In reality, this is one of the least hygienic actions. Shoes aren’t clean, particularly after navigating a public restroom, exposing them to unclean surfaces. This transfers germs where others touch. If you’re concerned about germs, consider using a piece of toilet paper to operate the flush handle.
"Be a sweetie and wipe the seatie"
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Tidy up after use. This rule covers all areas of the restroom. After you’re done, take a look at the seat and floor, and clean as needed. To put it simply, be considerate and give your seat a wipe. This also pertains to the sink. While soap is clean, leaving a large blob under the dispenser isn’t polite behavior.
Stall hogger
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According to Geisinger, a health organization, studies indicate the average time spent in the restroom is about 12 seconds. Occasionally, it might take longer, but it’s generally recommended not to exceed 10 minutes. So, if you find yourself scrolling through Instagram and Facebook during your bathroom time, you may want to reconsider. Keep in mind that others may be waiting their turn, and lingering around the restroom door isn’t the most comfortable scenario. On the other hand, if the restroom is occupied, it’s courteous to step away and return later. It’s unnecessary to wait outside the door, which could potentially be embarrassing for the occupant. However, if waiting is not feasible, forming a line is an acceptable option.
Don't peak through the stall gaps
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Making stall doors with a gap has benefits. If the door went all the way down, people couldn’t see if someone needed help. The gap helps in emergencies and lets responders assist without breaking in. Also, the gap can stop actions like sex or drug use, in stalls. But don’t make things weird by staring at people through them. That’s just uncomfortable.